Love + War

Directed by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Love + War documents the life and times of famed way photographer Lynsey Addario – with the focus generally placed on Addario’s efforts at balancing her intense work with the needs of her family. Filmmakers Vasarhelyi and Chin offer up a predominantly engrossing endeavor that benefits from its almost inherently compelling subject matter, and it doesn’t hurt, certainly, that Addario herself comes off as a tremendously interesting and sympathetic figure – which ensures that the recurring emphasis on her professional endeavors is generally far more electrifying than one might’ve assumed (ie these are some seriously dangerous spots she’s going to). It’s worth noting, as well, that Love + War is generally just as engaging when stressing the personal side of Addario’s existence, with the intimate, behind-the-scenes look at her home life certainly boasting an impactful feel that elevates the proceedings on a recurring basis. The end result is a first-class documentary that does, on top of everything else, provide an eye-opening look at real-life skirmishes, although it’s ultimately clear that the intense focus on Addario remains the highlight here.

***1/2 out of ****